Staff at Salisbury Infirmary (1766–1864)

An Evolving Institution of Care and Community

The Salisbury Infirmary, founded in 1766, offers a rich history of medical care, social values and institutional change. Between 1766 and 1864, it transitioned from a modest charitable hospital to a more structured and professionally operated institution, reflecting the wider evolution of healthcare in Britain.

1766–1841: Charity, Reputation and Practical Learning

In its early years, the Infirmary relied heavily on the unpaid services of physicians and surgeons. These roles, while unsalaried, were highly sought after, offering practitioners opportunities to build their skills, reputations and social connections. Medical training was informal, with practical experience serving as the primary form of education.

Senior roles, such as Matron, Chaplain, House Surgeon and Apothecary were often filled through formal advertisements and elected by the Governors. Support staff like porters, nurses, and servants were hired more casually, often after notices were posted on the infirmary gates. Nurses at the time were typically viewed as unskilled, with duties similar to domestic servants, cleaning, cooking, and scrubbing wards.

Hospital conditions were often overcrowded and patients with incurable or chronic conditions were generally not admitted. Even those admitted faced challenges, with limited treatments available and little input in their own care. Nonetheless, some reform efforts began, such as early nurse training schemes introduced in 1803.

• 1802 Apothecary Appointment

“Must be capable of bleeding patients and assisting surgeons. Salary £30 pa, plus lodging, board, and a £10 gratuity if approved by the Governors.”

• Henry Coates, Surgeon (1802–1804)
  After an unsuccessful 1802 application, Coates reapplied in 1804, won election and publicly thanked the Governors for “the flattering support” that launched his Infirmary career.
• First Nurse Trainees (1803)
  The Governors advertised for three single, sober women (age 35+) to learn nursing in exchange for board, lodging and a small training fee.  This was an early step toward formal nurse instruction.

1841–1864: Professional Standards and Persistent Challenges

The mid-19th century brought increasing efforts to professionalise staff and improve care standards. Applicants for key roles, like House Surgeon, were expected to demonstrate not only academic qualifications but also hands-on surgical experience. Governors were urged to select candidates based on merit rather than influence, highlighting a growing emphasis on institutional integrity.

While senior medical staff still served without pay, their work was recognised through public tributes. Resignations were typically respectful and grateful, reflecting the esteem in which such roles were held.

Resignation of George Sampson (1841) after 14 years of service, he wrote,

“My health became impaired… I resign with warmest acknowledgments for the kindness I have received.”

The nursing department, however, remained a challenge. Reports from 1849 and 1857 criticised the lack of trained night nurses and difficulties in recruitment hampered reforms. By 1860, the importance of organised, educated nursing was gaining recognition, with calls for nurses to serve not just as attendants; but also as educators and advocates for the poor who could advise on diet, sanitation and home care.

Notable acts of generosity supported these developments. In 1864, Mrs. Fowler established a Superannuation Fund with £200 to create annuities for nurses with 15+ years’ service and donated clothing and linen to support their work.

Patient feedback by the early 1860s was overwhelmingly positive, though bed shortages remained a critical issue. The Infirmary’s leadership recognised that further progress required greater funding and ongoing commitment to reform.

Between 1766 and 1864, Salisbury Infirmary reflects the broader transformation of healthcare in Britain, from charitable volunteerism and informal care to a more structured, professional and compassionate model. The stories of its staff and patients reveal a community striving to balance medical advancement with humanity and social responsibility.

Written from research by Stuart Wakefield, The Salisbury Infirmary 1767-1870